THALU Premieres on 20 April 2020
THALU Premieres on 20 April 2020
Children’s Indigenous television series THALU premieres...
THALU Premieres on 20 April 2020
Children’s Indigenous television series THALU premieres on Monday, 20 April 2020 at 6:30pm on NITV.
Weeiranna Street Media production THALU was shot in and around the town of Roebourne, which is better known by the local people as Yirramagardu, located in Western Australia’s Pilbara region. The live-action children’s series is interwoven with Roebourne community stories and Ngarluma culture over 10 episodes.
The young, funny and deadly characters find their country under threat from a huge dust cloud and the mysterious Takers that lurk within. The key characters, most of whom are played by young people making their acting debuts, are a small group of Indigenous kids who have to make their way to Thalu, a place of great power, to stop the cloud before it destroys everything in its path. Along the way, they encounter friends and foe alike as they search for eight sacred stones and a special key that will unlock the power of Thalu and, they hope, stop the takers in their tracks.
The series was produced by Weerianna Street Media’s Tyson Mowarin and Robyn Marais in association with Executive Producers Bernadette O’Mahony and Mark O’Toole.
“We wanted to show that a small production company in the remote Pilbara of Western Australia could bring a whole lot of people, both professional and first-timers from our local community, and working with crew from out of town, all could come together and make something magical here,” said Producer Tyson Mowarin of Weerianna Street Media.
He added, “The series started with a workshop back in 2018 with the young people and elders from the community working with experienced writers to come up with story suggestions for a live-action series. From the very beginning, we had great support from the community.”
Screenwest Indigenous Manager, Devina McPherson explained, “We are incredibly excited to see this community-driven series release to audiences around Australia this month. It will provide a unique insight into the community of Roebourne and demonstrates what a small production company can achieve with exceptional community collaboration.”
Screenwest CEO, Willie Rowe added, “This project is a fantastic example of how WA screen productions can engage with the local community and create a lasting legacy for them. If you’re at home with children, make sure they tune into this series and experience this unique Indigenous project.”
Don’t miss the premiere on Monday, 20 April 2020 at 6:30pm on NITV. Catch up is available on SBS On Demand.
THALU is a Weerianna Street Media production filmed on location in Western Australia on the traditional country of the Ngalurma people.
It has principal production funding from Screen Australia and was produced with the assistance of Screenwest and Lotterywest, and the Western Australian Regional Film Fund.
It is developed, produced and distributed by the Children’s Television Foundation. Developed and produced in association with the ABC and NITV.
Key Creatives and Cast
- Executive Producers: Bernadette O’Mahony and Mark O’Toole
- Producers: Tyson Mowarin and Robyn Marais
- Directors: Dena Curtis, Tyson Mowarin, Amie Batalibasi and Hunter Page-Lochard
- Writers: Beck Cole, Samuel Paynter, David Woodhead, Donald Imberlong and Nayuka Gorrie
- Main Cast: Ella Togo, Logan Adams, Jakeile Coffin, Cherry Rose Hubert, Sharlia Mowarin, Wade Walker and Penesha Wally
Contact Screenwest
T: +61 8 6169 2100
E: info@screenwest.com.au
www.screenwest.com.au
www.filminwesternaustralia.com.au
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